The focus of the Digital Learning Project is to provide Hunter TAFE learners with the choices that an engaging Personal Learning Environment (PLE) offers.The Training and Assessment Strategy (TAS) for each of the 13 qualifications that are part of the project includes a detailed approach to the PLE.
The PLE is learner centred, and provides every individual learner several pathways to competence - these pathways will soon be available in graphical format to provide clarity and further information for learners. Learners may choose a pathway suitable to their needs, however, a mandatory part of the deployment trial for each learner is the following:
Assessment Rubric - each unit will include a detailed assessment rubric, articulating clear requirements for competence.
Mahara ePortfolio - an ePortfolio will be provided, however, learners may choose a different ePortfolio if preferred. The purpose of the ePortfolio is for learners to submit assessments, receive feedback, create and collect examples of evidence, develop a journal, and collaborate with other learners and the delivery team.
Learners also have the CHOICE to use any of the following and these learning opportunities and technologies are fully supported by the delivery team:
iTAFE webmix – the main PLE environment that links the learner to learning opportunities of their choice. Every course and unit within the course has its own webmix. A webmix is a selection of “tiles” that link to information, learning& collaborative opportunities.
Vocational Open Online Course (VOOC) - facilitated synchronously via Adobe Connect by a delivery team of three (3) staff - this team are also trialing the new TAFE Enterprise Agreement (EA) roles of Mentor, Assessor & Educational Support Officer. Learners who choose not to attend synchronously have the opportunity to listen to recordings in an asynchronous manner in their own time, place and space. The VOOC becomes an integral asset for learning opportunities.
Facilitated Forums - where Socratic questions will be placed to deepen the learning experience with feedback provided by the delivery team
Facebook presence - monitored by the delivery team, learners can collaboratively continue their learning. Every unit has a closed Facebook group.
Learner Guide Blog - to guide the learner trough their learning, should they choose this path. The blog contains the rubric, VOOC guide and a suggested unit timetable
LMS Moodle - used to manage learners and their information
Twitter - used as a communications technology throughout the course.
iTAFE PLE philosophies
The Rubric and an ePortfolio are the only mandatories – the rest is choice
Not about the technology – its what we do with it and what the student does with it in the future (affordances)
Learners are offered a learner centred environment
Deep Learning is encouraged through the use of Socratic Questioning techniques
Social Media is used to connect and communicate
VOOCs are available but not compulsory
The learner uses the assessment rubric to decide on their path of choice
The PLE is learner centred, and provides every individual learner several pathways to competence - these pathways will soon be available in graphical format to provide clarity and further information for learners. Learners may choose a pathway suitable to their needs, however, a mandatory part of the deployment trial for each learner is the following:
Learners also have the CHOICE to use any of the following and these learning opportunities and technologies are fully supported by the delivery team:
iTAFE PLE philosophies